Odisha: chargesheet for rape cases in 60 days

Facing criticism from opposition parties over growing rape cases in the state, the Odisha government has asked the police to file chargesheets in rape and other sexual offences within 60 days of the crimes, instead of 120 days as per law. The government has also decided to set up women cell in the offices of superintendent of police of all districts to monitor cases of crimes against women.

The decision was taken on Wednesday in a meeting chaired by chief minister Naveen Patnaik.

Officials said on Thursday that victims of rape and other sexual offences could file a complaint at any police station of the state, which could then be immediately transferred to the concerned police station. It was also decided to install dedicated help lines in all district headquarters.

Other vital decisions included re-activating women and child desks in each of all 537 police stations in the state, appointment of at least one woman official in each desk, appointment of 537 sub-inspectors to exclusively investigate crimes against women and appointment of more public prosecutors to deal with such cases.

Reported rape cases in Odisha have increased from 1,025 in 2010 to 1,112 in 2012 and 1300 cases in 2012.